Postings on the Internet allegedly quoting a US science organization's forecast of major earthquakes in northwest China are rumors, according to the China Seismological Bureau Thursday.

Released on May 15, the posting claimed that the US Geological Survey (USGS) forecast "the epicenter of the magnitude 8 earthquake in Wenchuan County of Sichuan Province is moving towards northwest and major tremors measuring above 7 on the Richter Scale may likely hit Xi'an, capital of northwest Shaanxi Province and Tianshui of Gansu Province in two weeks. Locals were urged to take preventive measures in advance and pass on the information."

Though the initiator is not yet known, numerous quotations were seen on the Internet.

After tapping in the address provided by the netizens (http:// earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Maps/10/105_30.php), which connects to the website of USGS, a map was seen with yellow dots marking the epicenters of the major earthquake and aftershocks in a southwest-to-northeast formation.

No forecast of epicenter movement and major tremors in Xi'an and Tianshui was found, said the bureau.

On May 20, a USGS seismologist denied any forecast of aftershocks in northwest China during an interview with CNN reporter, according to the bureau.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2008)